Sponsor

Sponsor

Photos: Transgender, nonbinary individuals and allies march through U of M campus

A group of about 60 people marched through the University of Minnesota campus Thursday in support of transgender and nonbinary individuals' rights on campus.

The march, dubbed "We Will Not Be Erased," was largely in response to a statement by the university's College Republicans student group painted on the Washington Avenue Bridge. The message read, "The proposed pronoun policy mocks real social issues," which the marchers called "hate speech".

Now, a petition is circulating that calls for the U's administration to take action against the College Republicans for violating the student conduct code, update its pronoun policy and edit the Board of Regents' discrimination policy to protect against transphobia.

1Daniel Pulaski, a transgender man from St. Paul, marches into the University of Minnesota campus on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Minneapolis. "I'm a trans man and I came to support my family; my LGBTQIA sisters and brothers," Pulaski said.Ellen Schmidt for MPR News

2Cedar Thomas, a U of M student who organized the "We Will Not Be Erased" march, gives an emotional speech before leading marchers through campus. "I wanted to show that people on campus are standing by trans students," Thomas said.Ellen Schmidt for MPR News3The "We Will Not Be Erased" march makes its way through campus.Ellen Schmidt for MPR News4Desiree Hill, a third-year chemistry student at the university, cheers as the "We Will Not Be Erased" march passes by Appleby Hall.Ellen Schmidt for MPR News5Pat Palmer, Rachel Mensing and Shelli Jeanette pose for a portrait before the "We Will Not Be Erased" march.Ellen Schmidt for MPR News6Melanie Steiner, right, a junior at the university majoring in global studies, marches on the Washington Avenue Bridge. "I came to show support for my fellow queer siblings," Steiner said. "I'm taking a stand because Campus Republicans were able to write hateful rhetoric on a public space."Ellen Schmidt for MPR News7Anna Rosin, center, a U of M senior majoring in English literature, marches over the Washington Avenue Bridge. "I wanted to show up as an ally for my trans friends and let them know that they won't be erased from campus," Rosin said.Ellen Schmidt for MPR News8The "We Will Not Be Erased" march reaches the end of the Washington Avenue Bridge, where College Republicans painted a message about the university's pronoun policy.Ellen Schmidt for MPR News9University of Minnesota student Laila Bensaad marches to support transgender and non-binary student rights.Ellen Schmidt for MPR News10A group of about 60 transgender individuals, nonbinary individuals and cisgender allies listen to speakers.Ellen Schmidt for MPR News11Maplewood native Kieran Blake cries as he speaks to a crowd of marchers. Blake spoke about a friend who attempted suicide due to a lack of acceptance as a transgender individual at high school. "I just want this [campus] to be a better space for people in the future because it's kind of rough now."Ellen Schmidt for MPR News12Pat Palmer, a transgender individual from St. Paul, chants with fellow marchers on Thursday.Ellen Schmidt for MPR News